When Should You See a Geriatrician?
As people get older, their healthcare needs can become more complex. Some older adults may be managing several medical conditions at once, taking multiple medications, experiencing changes in memory or mood, or finding that daily activities are becoming more difficult.
A geriatrician is a specialist doctor who focuses on the health and wellbeing of older adults. Seeing a geriatrician can be helpful when a person’s medical, cognitive, emotional or functional needs require a more detailed assessment and coordinated care plan.
At South Steyne Medical Centre in Manly, Dr Amit Gupta provides specialist geriatric medicine services for older adults, including comprehensive geriatric assessments, cognitive assessments, mood concerns in later life, falls prevention and general medical issues affecting people over the age of 65.
What Does a Geriatrician Do?
A geriatrician helps assess and manage health concerns that commonly affect older adults. This may include physical health, memory and thinking, mood, mobility, medications, independence and support needs.
Rather than looking at one symptom in isolation, a geriatrician considers the whole person. This can be particularly useful when there are several overlapping concerns, such as falls, memory changes, medication side effects and reduced confidence at home.
When Should You See a Geriatrician?
You may consider seeing a geriatrician if you or someone you care for is experiencing changes that are affecting health, safety, independence or quality of life.
Common reasons to see a geriatrician include:
- Memory concerns or changes in thinking
- Increased confusion or reduced ability to manage daily tasks
- Falls, near-falls or increasing unsteadiness
- Frailty or reduced strength
- Mood changes, depression or anxiety in later life
- Multiple medical conditions requiring coordinated review
- Concerns about medications or side effects
- Functional decline or loss of independence
- Complex health issues in adults over 65
- Need for a comprehensive geriatric assessment
A referral to a geriatrician may be recommended by a GP when an older person’s health picture is becoming more complex, or when additional specialist input would help guide ongoing care.
Cognitive and Memory Concerns
Changes in memory can be worrying for patients, families and carers. While occasional forgetfulness can happen with ageing, more noticeable changes in memory, judgement, attention or daily function may need further assessment.
A geriatrician can perform a cognitive assessment to help understand what may be contributing to these changes. This may include reviewing medical conditions, medications, mood, sleep, function and other factors that can affect memory and thinking.
Early assessment can help families and GPs plan next steps and arrange appropriate supports where needed.
Falls and Mobility Changes
Falls are common in older adults, but they should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing. A fall, near-fall or new unsteadiness may be a sign of an underlying medical issue, medication side effect, balance problem, frailty or environmental risk.
A geriatrician can assess factors contributing to falls and provide recommendations aimed at reducing future risk. This may include reviewing medications, medical conditions, mobility, balance, strength and support needs.
Mood Changes in Later Life
Depression, anxiety and mood changes can affect older adults, particularly when there are health changes, grief, social isolation, cognitive concerns or reduced independence.
A geriatrician can help assess mood symptoms in the context of the person’s overall health. This can be especially important when mood symptoms overlap with memory concerns, sleep disturbance, medication changes or chronic medical conditions.
Complex Health Needs Over 65
Many older adults live with more than one health condition. Over time, the interaction between different illnesses, medications and functional needs can become difficult to manage.
A geriatrician may be helpful when a patient over 65 has complex general medical needs, frequent changes in health, hospital presentations, frailty, reduced independence or uncertainty about the best care plan.
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments
A comprehensive geriatric assessment is a detailed specialist review of an older person’s health and function. It may consider:
- Medical history and current health concerns
- Medications
- Memory and cognition
- Mood and emotional wellbeing
- Falls risk and mobility
- Frailty and strength
- Daily function and independence
- Home, family and care supports
- Recommendations for ongoing management
This type of assessment can be useful for patients, families, carers and GPs who need a clearer picture of an older person’s health needs.
How 75+ Health Assessments Can Help
For patients aged 75 and over, a 75+ health assessment with a GP can also be an important part of preventative care. These assessments are designed to review an older person’s overall health, independence, mobility, medications, home safety and support needs.
A 75+ health assessment may help identify concerns that could benefit from further review, including falls risk, memory changes, mood concerns or functional decline. Where appropriate, your GP may recommend referral to a geriatrician for more specialised assessment.
You can organise an appointment with one of the GPs consulting at SSMC here.
Do You Need a Referral?
In most cases, patients should speak with their GP about whether a referral to a geriatrician is appropriate. Referrals may come from GPs consulting at South Steyne Medical Centre or from external GPs in the wider community.
If you are unsure whether geriatrician care may be suitable, you can contact South Steyne Medical Centre for more information.
Important Note About Capacity Assessments
Dr Amit Gupta provides comprehensive geriatric medical assessments. However, he does not provide financial capacity decision-making assessments or assessments related to wills.
If you require assistance with legal capacity, financial decision-making or wills, you should seek appropriate legal advice and speak with your GP about suitable referral options.
FAQ
What age should you see a geriatrician?
Geriatricians commonly care for adults aged 65 and over, particularly when there are complex medical, cognitive, mood, mobility or functional concerns.
Do you need a referral to see a geriatrician?
A GP referral is generally recommended. Your GP can assess your needs and provide relevant medical information to support the appointment.
Can a geriatrician help with memory problems?
Yes. Geriatricians can perform cognitive assessments and help investigate possible causes of memory or thinking changes in older adults.
Can a geriatrician help prevent falls?
Yes. A geriatrician can assess medical, medication-related, mobility, balance and frailty factors that may contribute to falls risk.
Is a 75+ health assessment the same as seeing a geriatrician?
No. A 75+ health assessment is usually completed by a GP and is an important preventative health review. A geriatrician provides specialist assessment for more complex older adult health concerns.
Where does Dr Amit Gupta consult?
Dr Amit Gupta consults at South Steyne Medical Centre in Manly.
